What Electrical Work Can You Do After Completing a Domestic Installer Course? 

Once you’ve completed a Domestic Electrician Course or the full Domestic Electrician Package, you’ll be qualified to carry out a wide range of electrical work in domestic settings. But it’s important to understand where the legal boundaries are — particularly under Part P of the Building Regulations. 

Electrical work in the home falls into two main categories: non-notifiable (minor works) and notifiable (major works). This guide explains the difference between them, what you can safely and legally do as a qualified Domestic Installer, and when you’ll need to involve building control or a registered electrician.  

Understanding Part P of the Building Regulations 

Part P was introduced to make sure all electrical work in homes is safe and meets national s tandards. It sets out when work must be inspected and certified, and who is qualified to do it. 

As a Domestic Installer, you can complete certain jobs independently and issue your own installation certificates for minor work. Larger or higher-risk installations, however, still need to be notified to your Local Authority Building Control (LABC) or signed off by a registered electrician. 

Before starting any project, make sure you’ve carried out a proper risk assessment — an essential step in demonstrating compliance and maintaining safety. For guidance, see Risk Assessment – Lesson 4. 

Non-Notifiable (Minor) Electrical Work 

Non-notifiable work — also called minor works — refers to tasks that don’t require notification to building control. They usually involve small extensions, alterations, or like-for-like replacements on existing circuits. 

Once the work is complete, you can issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate directly to your customer. 

Typical non-notifiable work includes: 

• Adding new socket outlets or lighting points to an existing circuit. 

• Replacing switches, fittings, or damaged cables. 

• Installing new lights or sockets in non-special locations. 

• Upgrading fittings for improved energy efficiency. 

These types of jobs can be carried out in most areas of the home, such as: 

• Living rooms 

• Bedrooms 

• Kitchens 

• Dining areas 

• Hallways 

• Lofts 

• Porches and garages 

• Gardens (for low-voltage equipment or lighting) 

As with any physical work on site, proper manual handling techniques are crucial — particularly when lifting heavy materials or equipment. Review Manual Handling – Lesson 4 for safe lifting and movement practices. 

Special Locations and Restrictions 

Some areas in the home are classed as special locations under Part P because they present a higher risk of electric shock or water exposure. These include: 

• Bathrooms and shower rooms 

• Swimming pools or saunas 

• Hot tubs and outdoor water features 

Electrical work in these spaces is generally notifiable, except for simple like-for-like replacements (e.g., swapping an existing downlight for a new, IP-rated equivalent). 

For example, installing a new extractor fan in a bathroom would count as notifiable work, whereas replacing a damaged fitting with a certified equivalent would not. 

Examples of Non-Notifiable Work 

Living Room: Homeowners often want extra socket outlets for TVs or smart devices. As long as the existing circuit is suitable, you can add new outlets to the ring circuit or run a spur — provided it’s correctly fused and tested. 

Kitchen: Replacing old fluorescent lights with modern LED downlights can be done as a minor alteration, assuming the existing cable is in good c ondition and the load remains within safe limits. 

In both cases, the work falls under minor works certification, meaning you don’t need to notify the local authority. 

Notifiable Electrical Work 

Notifiable work is classed as “building work” under the Building Regulations and must be formally approved through building control or signed off by a registered electrician. 

This ensures the installation complies with both BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and safety requirements under Part P. 

Common examples of notifiable work include: 

• Installing a new circuit (e.g., for a cooker, EV charger, or outbuilding). 

• Consumer unit changes or upgrades. 

• Full or partial re-wires. 

• Electrical work in bathrooms or other special locations. 

If you’re not registered with a Part P scheme, you’ll need to submit a Building Notice to your local authority before work starts. Once complete, the council will inspect and issue a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. 

Registered electricians — those who are members of schemes such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA — can self-certify their own notifiable work without going through local building control. 

Becoming a Registered Electrician 

To become a registered electrician capable of self-certifying your work, you’ll need both e xperience and the right qualifications. These typically include: 

• The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671) qualification.

• A Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installations. 

• A Level 3 Inspection & Testing qualification. 

Completing our Part P Building Regulations or Online Part P Course will also give you a strong understanding of the certification process and compliance responsibilities. 

While registration isn’t legally required for all domestic work, joining a Part P scheme helps you demonstrate professionalism, win customer confidence, and operate more efficiently. 

Working Safely as a Domestic Installer 

Every job, whether minor or notifiable, must be carried out with safety as the top priority. This includes: 

• Using correct isolation procedures before working on any circuit. 

• Verifying test results using appropriate equipment. 

• Maintaining proper PPE and workspace safety. 

For refresher guidance, review Safe Isolation – Lesson 1, which covers safe isolation procedures and electrical testing fundamentals. 

You should also follow best practices in equipment setup and physical handling. Our Manual Handling – Lesson 6 resource offers practical steps to prevent strain and injury while carrying out domestic electrical work. 

Becoming a qualified Domestic Installer opens the door to a variety of safe, compliant electrical work — from small upgrades to larger installations under supervision or registration. 

Remember: 

• Minor works = self-certified, non-notifiable. 

• Major works = notifiable, must be signed off. 

• Always follow Part P and BS 7671 to ensure compliance and safety. 

As your skills grow, joining a recognised Part P scheme allows you to handle a wider range of work independently and build a more professional reputation in the trade. 

Elec Training provides the qualifications and technical knowledge to help you progress — from beginner to fully registered electrician. Learn more about our courses at https://dev.elec.training/ and take your next step toward a professional electrical career.